McGuinness a ready-made replacement for Lavilla

ISLE of Man TT legend John McGuinness has replaced Spaniard Gregorio Lavilla in Paul Bird's Vent Axia World Superbike Honda squad for this weekend's Sunflower Trophy races.

Lavilla, 34, had been expected to make his debut at Bishopscourt, partnering Chris Walker in Bird’s team at the Hillsborough club’s short circuit spectacular.

However, amid rumours of a fall-out between Bird and Lavilla – who won the British Superbike Championship in 2005 – Eric Lyons, on behalf of the organisers, yesterday confirmed that McGuinness will contest both Superbike races and the Sunflower feature event on Sunday.

“Up until late on Wednesday night Gregorio Lavilla was coming to the Sunflower, as far as we were concerned,” said Lyons. “We only had it confirmed this morning that he wouldn’t be riding and it’s not for me to comment on the reasons why. Obviously, we are disappointed but at the same time pleased that John McGuinness will now join Chris Walker in Paul Bird’s team. McGuinness will ride Lavilla’s bike, which is a full-blown World Superbike Honda, so at least we’ve added another top class rider to the entry list at what was very short notice. Over the years we’ve prided ourselves on delivering the riders that we’ve said would race at the Sunflower and we expected that Lavilla would be here even though we had heard the rumours that all was not well in the team. It was only confirmed that he wouldn’t be riding by Paul Bird himself this morning, so we’re gutted that he won’t be here but satisfied that McGuinness has taken over the ride.”

Lyons also revealed that Michael Dunlop from Ballymoney is a late entry for the Supersport class, while English rider Gary Johnson will line-up for Uel Duncan Racing after recovering from niggling injuries sustained following a crash at the Skerries 100 road races in the summer.

Meanwhile, a trophy commissioned in the memory of Albert ‘Tiny’ McKinstry, who sadly passed away in February this year, will be presented for the very first time at the Sunflower races on Sunday.

The trophy had been due to be awarded at the Ulster Grand Prix in August, but sadly the event was abandoned because of torrential downpours.

Tiny McKinstry was a devoted fan of road racing and played a key role in bringing Kiwi star Bruce Anstey to race in Ireland for the first time.

The trophy, plus £300, will be presented to the first Irish finisher in the opening Supersport race.

Lyons explained: “The family contacted us to see if we would present the trophy, which will be an additional trophy in the first 600cc race, because it didn’t get handed out at the Ulster Grand Prix. This is just a one-off presentation at the Sunflower and the trophy will go back to the Dundrod Club for the ‘Prix’ next year, an event that was very close to Tiny’s heart.”

PRACTICE for the 31st Sunflower Trophy meeting is due to commence tomorrow at 9am.

Source Newsletter: 17 October 2008

as much as i like lavillas riding, isn't it cooler to have the fastest roadracer on earth competing instead?

Bigdog wrote:

QUOTE:
as much as i like lavillas riding, isn't it cooler to have the fastest roadracer on earth competing instead?

not realy considering he will be mid pack

Bigdog wrote:

QUOTE:
as much as i like lavillas riding, isn't it cooler to have the fastest roadracer on earth competing instead?

It's not a road race though, is it? He doesn't really shine on the circuits.

Good luck to all the Irish lads, btw...

I read somewhere that Lavilla has a tooth infection!

It's good to see John McG riding in his place!

Told today that Lavilla and PBM have parted company and that Lavilla is moving back to BSB with Honda....

Willis Marshall wrote:

QUOTE:
Told today that Lavilla and PBM have parted company and that Lavilla is moving back to BSB with Honda....

i hope paul bird pi**es off once and for all
he drop riders like they are s*it on his shoe,eg laverty,jezza,lavilla,mason,rutter etc etc,he is a typical pompus millionaire that has his herad stuck up his own a$$
any confidence crisis a rider of his has he piles on the pressure big time.what a pillock as lavilla is a genuine guy.